SAN ANTONIO — Families recovering from this summer’s floods are looking for other sources of help after FEMA denied Texas’ request for individual assistance across 30 counties.
The agency said the damage did not qualify for its Individual Assistance program or requested hazard mitigation resources. FEMA also denied public assistance for eight counties, including Bexar, Atascosa and Medina.
Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. shared the denial letter Wednesday, calling the decision a disappointment.
RELATED: Kerrville urges reconsideration after FEMA denies individual aid for July flood survivors
Gov. Greg Abbott requested federal assistance in July to help communities recover from the flooding. He has until Wednesday, Oct. 28, to appeal FEMA’s decision.
KENS 5 has contacted the governor’s office to ask whether an appeal is planned.
Meanwhile, Catholic Charities has announced updated walk-in assistance locations in Uvalde and Zavala counties. The nonprofit says eligible residents may receive emergency financial aid, depending on available funding.
The emergency financial assistance by Catholic Charities is fully funded by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, who has awarded more than $1 million in grants to the charities specifically to support these services.
The foundation also provided the following statement:
FEMA’s decision to deny Individual Assistance leaves survivors already facing devastating losses and financial hardship without critical federal support, making their road to recovery significantly more difficult.
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country remains committed to supporting those affected by the Texas Hill Country floods, responsibly stewarding donor dollars through local nonprofit partners to address critical recovery needs. However, philanthropy alone cannot meet the scale of need that federal assistance is designed to address. Programs like FEMA Individual Assistance are essential to complement local recovery efforts and provide families with the resources they need to return to a new normal.
Since July 2026, the Foundation has awarded more than $24 million in grants to support flood recovery across the region. These investments have enabled more than 1,300 households to meet immediate needs, secure temporary housing and repair or rebuild damaged homes. That number continues to grow as our recovery partners reach more families each day.
The Foundation’s recovery programs remain active, with ongoing assessments of household needs through our disaster case management network. Future investments in emergency assistance, temporary housing and home rebuilding will be guided by documented needs, available funding and partner capacity.
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